Some words in English may have similar meanings, but the rule is that they cannot be used equally in sentences. This is because they can only function within a particular context. Examples of such words are “proportion” and “portion.” However, this article will discuss when to use each word in writing.
In writing, you should use “Proportion” when referring to a relationship between two quantities. Also, in writing, you should use the word “portion” when referring to a distinct quantity.
Indeed, the two words sound alike, but as a writer, you must be careful to know the exact word to use in writing. Nonetheless, this article will further discuss and exemplify the usage of these words.
What Do The Words “Proportion” And “Portion” Mean?
A “proportion” is a relationship between two quantities. For example, if the ratio of boys to girls in a classroom is 3:2, then the “proportion” of boys is 3/5.
“Proportion” is a comparison between two related quantities. For example, you could say the ratio of cats to dogs in your neighborhood is 10:1, or the ratio of cats to dogs in your community is 1:10.
“Proportion” is an essential concept in measurement and geometry, as well as in other disciplines such as art and architecture. A “proportion” could equally be defined as a visual way of comparing sizes. It can be used to compare two or more objects or parts of the same object.
The “proportion” was invented by the Greek mathematician Euclid. He used it in his book, Elements, a collection of 13 books of “Elucid’s Elements”. The “proportion” is further explained as an algebraic formula that uses fractions and decimals to find unknown quantities. There are various types of “proportions,” which will be discussed below.
Direct “proportion” means that if you increase or decrease one variable by a certain amount, you will increase or decrease another variable by the same amount.
An inverse “proportion” is a proportional relationship between two quantities in which one quantity varies inversely to the other. The term “inverse proportion” is used if one quantity increases or decreases, and another decreases or increases by an equal amount to maintain their ratio.
Compound “proportions” are a special type of “proportion” that involves two or more numbers. To find the compound proportion, you need to multiply the ratios and then find their sum.
In art, “proportion” describes how big or small an object is with its surroundings. For example, if you were painting a landscape and wanted to show how big the tree was compared to its surroundings (like other trees), you would use proportion in your painting. This means you will consider the dimensions and relationship between the sizes of your painting.
The importance of “proportion” in art is to make the work more interesting and attractive. The height and width ratio can create an appropriate balance between the elements and give prominence to some parts over others. It helps to create harmony and balance while adding interest to the composition.
The synonyms for “proportion” are capacity, bulk, volume, relationship, fraction, admeasurement, amplitude, breadth, magnitude, segment, ratio, part, expanse, degree, portion, distribution, cut, quota, and scope. The word is pronounced as [pruh-paw-shn].
The other word, “portion” means a part of the whole. A “portion” is a standard amount of something, usually food. For example, you might eat three portions of vegetables per day.
A “portion” can be used to describe different kinds of things. For example, if you have a serving size of baked potato and eat half of that serving size as one “portion,” then your second “portion” will be half of what is left over on your plate.
When referring to a “portion” of time, it means a block or segment of time set aside for something specific. If you have an hour set aside for working out at the gym, that hour is considered one portion of your day dedicated to exercise.
Also, a “portion” can be described as a part of an inheritance. People can leave money and assets their family and friends inherit when they die. Portioning this inheritance is done by dividing it into separate parts, and then each person receives according to how much they are entitled to under the will.
In addition, a “portion” is a word that refers to a person’s destiny. It can be used when talking about what someone’s life will be like or their future. The synonyms of “portion” are fate, parcel, share, bit, cut, element, and member. The word is pronounced as [paw-shn].
How To Properly Use the Words “Proportion” And “Portion” In A Sentence
You can use “proportion” as a noun in a sentence to describe the relationship between two or more things.
“Proportion” is a word that describes many different areas of life. It can be used in math to describe things like the ratio of two numbers, or it can be used in architecture as a central principle.
Also, you can use the word “portion” as a noun or verb in a sentence to describe something that consists of a certain amount. It usually refers to a whole that can be divided.
You use it to describe a part of a whole, fate, an allotment, or a share of something. The word portion is often used with measurements, such as when referring to food or other edible items.
You can also use a “portion” to refer to an amount or quantity of something given out or divided up. For example: “The server at my favorite restaurant always gives me a big “portion” of ketchup with my fries.” In this sentence, “portion” refers to the amount of ketchup served with your fries.
Bulleted List Of Examples Of The Words “Proportion” And “Portion” Used In Sentences
It is essential to keep the two words straight and use them correctly, as they have different meanings and may lead to confusion if you use one when you mean the other. The examples below will clarify how they are used in sentences.
- The proportion of students who passed their exams was very low.
- Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper” was inspired by the proportions of the painting in our collection.
- The eyes of the painting have been painted with a different proportion than the rest of the face.
- A large proportion of our population is overweight or obese: about two-thirds of adults, one-third of children and teens, and one-fifth of preschoolers.
- The proportion of people who believe in ghosts is far lower than the number of people who believe that Santa Claus is real.
- I had a small portion of chocolate cake left over yesterday, but I will not eat it because I have eaten too much sugar lately.
- We have been working on this project for a few weeks now, and it is time to start thinking about how we will divide the work between us.
- We should divide these cookies into portions so everyone gets an equal amount.
- Your boss might give you a portion of the profits if you work hard enough.
- I am trying to figure out what my portion is in this situation; you were the one who caused trouble with your coworkers.
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Final Thoughts
Always remember that how you use your words in sentences communicates the meaning to the reader. Many words in English are almost spelled the same way and have similar meanings. However, as a writer, you must know when to use them, especially in writing.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.